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Journalism of Courage
Jared Griffin
So, you are a high school student interested in STEM (computer science or engineering), who wishes to study abroad. You are probably wondering, where should I go to maximise my opportunities? Particularly since the United States has become unusually hostile toward international students under the second Trump administration, you may be wondering whether America is still the best place for higher education. After all, a degree from the West looks the same whether it comes from the US, the UK, or Canada, right?
Well, to help you make a more informed decision, we present a comparison of two seemingly equivalent universities on opposite sides of the Pond—because the differences really do matter. The subtleties between a place like Carnegie Mellon University (often known as CMU) in the States and Imperial College London in the UK may seem like splitting hair, but we are here to show you that the hair may belong to the same scalp, but they are meaningfully distinct.
Understanding this point can easily make or break your undergraduate experience and lead you down two rather divergent professional paths: one in the mother country, the other at its rebellious former colony.
Factors such as prestige, selectivity, and professional outcomes all go hand in hand, which is why they can be grouped. CMU and Imperial both occupy a vaunted space within the STEM realm, thanks to their high placements on the major rankings lists, high selectivity, storied histories, associated faculty/alumni, and professional prospects for students.
CMU and Imperial are universities often considered just a rung below the Ivy League and Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) in prestige. This view is anecdotal and qualitative, but still useful, as you will be attached to your alma mater for the rest of your life. Public perception of where you went to university can matter as much as what you actually learned.
Meanwhile, the privilege of prestige extends to the kinds of opportunities that arise for you, such as the business deals that you are offered or the promotions that you receive. On this point, CMU may have a bit of an edge, but Imperial brings a reputation of British-style practical training, which can really work to your advantage in a modern tech job market which prioritises hands-on experience over purely theoretical learning (amidst the AI revolution).
Opt for CMU if you want to boast an American-style interdisciplinary training rooted in liberal arts education. It is important to remember that American universities generally prefer what is called “holistic admissions”, meaning that they consider a complex mix of both quantitative and qualitative factors in making their decisions.
Top UK universities such as Imperial operate by a more straightforward admissions process similar to India’s, albeit with some holistic factors—such as an essay, an SOP called the Personal Statement, and an evaluative interview based on academics—included. Preparation for an Imperial involves studying for their difficult entry exam, which, although easier than the JEE, is still quite intensive.
If certain differences are difficult to spot, cost is not! It is no secret that American universities are incredibly expensive, thanks to a capitalistic culture with ballooning expenses in infrastructure, athletics, and faculty salaries. Private universities tend to be more expensive than public ones, naturally, even if they do not offer a demonstrably increased ROI. Part of what confers CMU its prestigious reputation above is its status as a private institution, as the source of funding is more important within the
In the UK (and Europe, Canada, Singapore, etc.), public universities are often considered the very best universities, thanks to their more socialist-adjacent economies and values, which subsidise higher education for the citizenry.
Imperial, while public, goes nearly toe-to-toe with private Oxbridge, and gets to charge far less: around £43,300.00 per annum for international students. Many applicants abroad find that they can afford the full price of an Imperial, but not the sticker shock of a CMU.
While financial aid packages at several private American universities—which may include grants/scholarships, loans, and/or a work study—can offset these challenges and make these schools affordable, Carnegie Mellon does not offer financial aid to international students. Thus, if you attend, you must pay the full tuition and fees: as much as $90,070 per annum for 2025-26. UK schools, in contrast, tend to operate by a more limited financial aid system, as their prices are comparatively reasonable enough not to merit the same level of support.
As an American university which values interdisciplinary thinking and diversity, Carnegie Mellon favours teaching that unites technology, arts, and business. Famously, the computer science curriculum requires students to pursue a minor—an idea almost unheard of in the UK. During that time, you will have greater freedom to change your major (if desired) than you would in a UK university.
By contrast, Imperial College London operates as a much more streamlined institution. You will not find the English literature and philosophy majors (known as “courses” in the UK) that you will find at CMU. Instead, you are generally limited to 26 STEM- and business/finance-related options, including many niches such as AI and design engineering. Additionally, you will gain industrial experience and follow a three-year programme, to which you may add a one-year master’s.
American higher education is defined by a strong belief in free time, extracurricular activities (including athletics), community engagement, and the socialisation of Greek life. British higher education is defined by a strong belief in external structure, professionalism, and maturity. Once again, context matters greatly.
Imperial, however, may appear a bit dry for such an applicant. Although with your own global alumni network and the global city of London as your backdrop, you will have little reason to complain. For some, having such access to a major urban centre is a major factor, as there is also the proximity to similar top institutions—such as University College London (UCL) and King’s College London (KCL)—presenting many opportunities for cross-pollination.
CMU and Imperial are equally excellent choices for the Indian STEM student. Ultimately, you must decide whether you desire an American-style or UK-style experience. Either way, you will do well on the global stage. Just beware your prospects of obtaining a visa and living—later working—within broader national cultures which appear rather similar but could not be further apart these days.
Griffin is a Creative Director, Athena Education
